Mr Ham said the vote highlighted how the party is "truly run through grassroots".

"After much good-natured and informed debate within this internal election the membership has decided that staying as part of a larger Green Party is the best way to continue our work as an insurgent force for good," he added.

Ms Womack said the issue was put to the vote because it was a question that had been raised a number of times.

"I'm sure it's a question we'll bring back to our members in future," she added.